Folding Shovel & Tow Strap recommendations

[RND1]

Planning to hit the beaches this summer on the Cape and Islands with my new to me LC. To get the oversand permit, I'm required to carry a shovel, tow strap, and a plywood base for the jack. I was thinking ARB strap 2 3/8 x 30 but no clue on the shovel. Was also going to get the ARB air down tool. What do you guys recommend?

 

[Hellgate]

Try tigerz11.com.au

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi all,

IMHO if you really plan to dig, get a "real" shovel.

Yeah, I have dug foxholes with a folding "e-tool" but found on a sandy beach that a canteen cup scoops sand much more efficiently!

Since you are running a wagon, you have lots of room. I like "T" handle shovels, but a regular long handle shovel would work fine.

Regards,

Alan

 

[Kaisersosay]

If money is no object and you are looking for the "high tech" solution to a low tech problem, go for The Crovel: http://www.coolthings.com/crovel-extreme-ii-survival-tool/ and this: http://gearupcenter.com/exclusive-crovel-shovel/

 

[JohnVee]

I like my ARB air down tool. Lots of us use it or what appears to be the same thing from a couple different manufacturers. They all seem to be the same price.

Along with airing down comes airing up. The cheapo $20 compressors will eventually work if you like to wait and hate your hearing. Units like the Superflow MV-50 are only slightly larger, come with a case, hook to the battery instead of cig port, and are FAST. The also have plenty of reach thanks to the long power cable and coily hose. Under $70, too.

Maybe this will help for saws:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/folding-camps-saws.809601/#post-9244891

Some people like long handled shovels for reaching under the vehicle. Others prefer shorter D-handled shovels. Use what you have or like or can stow easily (and securely).

I'd wager that ARB strap will be just fine. There are some lower cost options out there, and plenty of opinions on here, but we live in the land of choices so make one and be happy.

Some people make a little "frame" for the jack to sit in on the plywood base. Keeps it from sliding around.

 

[RND1]

Thanks guys for all your feedback. This is a whole new world to me and I'm looking forward to learning. Good point about airing up - where I plan to go they have an air station so that should work for now. Think I'm going to go with a military folding shovel so it will fit compactly in the back and I can get some use out of it camping. Anyone have this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SOPJG4/?tag=ihco-20

 

[DrivingMissRosey]

I'd vote for a proper shovel, not a folding one. Better reach, better lifting of the sand, easier on your back, more useful for other tasks, money better spent, probably longer lasting, and generally more efficient. If you have the room in your vehicle, use it.

If this is only ever to be used in sand, you probably want a square headed shovel because they move more with each scoop. If the shovel will see mixed use in sand and rockier soils then get a round nose shovel. Just my $.02 and I've literally dug thousands of holes all over North and Central America by hand in all kinds of soils.

On my vehicle I carry a short, T-handled, round nose shovel for recovery and a file to keep it sharp.

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi all,

Yeah, I carry one of those US GI tri-fold e-tools in my FJ40 because 1) it is compact yet durable, and 2) I already owned it.

But, when I take the rig on a trip where I think I may actually have to do some digging I strap a "T" handle shovel to the spare tire.
The "e-tool" will work but a real shovel just makes the task so much easier and faster.

Regards,

Alan

Thanks guys for all your feedback. This is a whole new world to me and I'm looking forward to learning. Good point about airing up - where I plan to go they have an air station so that should work for now. Think I'm going to go with a military folding shovel so it will fit compactly in the back and I can get some use out of it camping. Anyone have this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SOPJG4/?tag=ihco-20

 

[azcrackshot]

Check out the Crovel shovels. They are made by a company in Scottsdale, AZ. We use them for camping and the design and quality is outstanding. They have a few different models.

http://gearupcenter.com/